In June, your backyard garden is tidy rows of plants with tiny green buds. Come July or August, those plants are usually overflowing with the fruits (and vegetables and herbs!) of your labor. Don’t let all of those tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and basil leaves wither on the vine. Here are some delicious recipes that will make good use of your garden’s bounty.
Tomato Pie
Fill your favorite pie crust with sweet tomatoes instead of berries for a savory summer treat. Get the recipe from 12 Tomatoes.
Fire-Grilled Tomato Salsa
Why buy salsa from the grocery store when you can make a far superior version by roasting garden-fresh tomatoes on your grill? Get the recipe from This is How I Cook.
Tomato + Zucchini Galette
Have a surplus of both zucchini and tomatoes? Chop them up and toss them into a rustic, flaky galette. Add in some fresh herbs from the garden as well. Get the recipe from Pixels + Crumbs.
Summer Grilled Cheese
Slices of juicy, ripe tomatoes and plenty of fresh dill and basil make a standard grilled cheese sandwich perfect for a quick summer lunch or dinner. Put out an assortment of cheeses and breads, and let each family member assemble their own sandwich. Get the recipe from Super Healthy Kids.
Garden Fresh Marinara
If your garden is throwing off more tomatoes than your family can eat, mix up a big batch of marinara. Jar or freeze some to enjoy over pasta in the fall and winter. Get the recipe from La Bella Vita Cucina.
Cucumber Melon Sangria
Mix up a pitcher of this refreshing and delicious sangria for sipping on hot summer afternoons. Get the recipe from Garnish With Lemon.
Cucumber Sorbet
Cucumber, lemon juice and sugar are all you need to create this cool treat for hot nights. Get the recipe from The Little Epicurean.
Parmesan Zucchini Tots
Turn all of that extra zucchini into an irresistible fried appetizer. Pair with the cucumber sangria above and you’ve got yourself a perfect summer happy hour! Get the recipe from Kirbie’s Cravings.
Zucchini Lasagna
Hot, cheesy lasagna without a carb in sight? Yes, please! Just sub thin strips of zucchini for lasagna noodles. Get the recipe from Weight Watchers Recipes.
Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
Sneak an extra serving of veggies into dessert. The shredded zucchini makes the bread moist, while honey and chocolate chips bring the sweetness. Get the recipe from Healthy Seasonal Recipes.
Summer Fresh Corn and Zucchini Chowder
All of the flavors of summer (plus bacon!) in one delicious bowl. Get the recipe from Little Broken.
Strawberry Basil Popsicles
Fragrant basil balances the sweetness of strawberries for a sophisticated frozen treat you won’t want to share with the kids. Get the recipe from Bests and Bites.
Basil Garlic Popcorn
Sprinkle chopped basil and olive oil on hot popcorn for your next summer movie night. Get the recipe from Food Republic.
Basil Martini
Give your after-work cocktail a summery upgrade with fresh basil and mint. Soak the herbs in lime juice to release the flavors. Get the recipe from Stir Fried Fables.
Blackberry Basil Buttercream
Bake up a batch of your favorite cupcakes and top them with a generous dollop of this fruity buttercream. Get the recipe from The Vanilla Bean Blog.
Lemon Basil Buttermilk Dressing
Drizzle this zesty dressing on salads, of course, and also try it on chicken, shrimp, potatoes, sandwiches and fresh veggies. Get the recipe from The Café Sucre Farine.
Lavender Basil Lemonade
Raid your garden and stir up a pitcher of this elegant lemonade that practically begs to be sipped from a rocking chair on the front porch. And, we don’t see any reason not to spike it for your next summer soiree! Get the recipe from Half-Baked Harvest.
Basil Coconut Ice Cream
Don’t let a single leaf of basil go to waste. Snip them and use them to whip up a few pints of not-too-sweet basil coconut ice cream. Get the recipe from The Roasted Root.
More from Make It Better:
